Liverpool Playmaker Urged to Ease the Burden on Suarez and Sturridge

Coutinho made his Liverpool return in the weekend loss to Arsenal. (Reuters)

Former Liverpool favourite John Aldridge has encouraged Philippe Coutinho to held ease the goal scoring burden left on the shoulders of striking duo Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge.

The Brazilian playmaker enjoyed a scintillating start to the season before he suffered a shoulder injury which required surgery during a 2-2 draw with Swansea seven weeks ago, making his long-awaited return during his side's 2-0 defeat to Arsenal.

Although their defeat at the Emirates Stadium allowed Arsenal to open up a five point lead at the summit of the Premier League, Coutinho's return was warmly welcomed and Aldridge is hoping the 21-year-old's return to the first team fold will be accompanied by a greater return in front of goal.

"The only real positive on Saturday was he sight of Philippe Coutinho back in a Liverpool shirt," the former Republic of Ireland international wrote in the Liverpool Echo.

"The Brazilian showed some lovely touches when he came on in the second half. He's a creative influence with his amazing ability to pick a pass and he's also a goal scorer.

"The manager has to play a system which ensures we get the best out of Coutinho, Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge over the coming months.

"Whether he sticks with 3-4-1-2 and plays Coutinho just behind the front two in the centre,or changes to a flat back four and plays the Brazilian on the left hand side, I'm not sure.

"We can't always be relying on Suarez and Sturridge for goals and hopefully Coutinho's return will help to ease the burden on them.

"The bench did look strong on Saturday and that's a good sign that we're getting players back."

Coutinho has failed to open his account for Liverpool this season but managed to find the back of the net on three occasions following his January transfer from Inter Milan last season.